Portable sunshade
Disclosed herein is a portable sunshade comprising a mast structure extending in a generally vertically direction, means for attaching the mast structure at its lower end to a support structure, a boom extending outwardly from the mast structure, having first and second ends, the first end being movably attached to the mast structure, a hub assembly attached to the second end of the boom, a plurality of elongated support ribs extending radially from the hub assembly, each of said support ribs, having one end rotatably attached to the hub assembly, a canopy positioned over the elongated support ribs and fastened thereto, the canopy having an opening in it corresponding to a predetermined position along the boom, and a boom support strut pivotably attached at one end to the upper end of the mast structure, and at the other end pivotably secured to boom at a predetermined position along the length of it, the boom support strut extending through the opening in the canopy at the point where it is connected to the boom.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a sunshade in the form of an umbrella, and in particular to a portable sunshade capable to move around to various locations with relative ease.
2. Relevant Art
Sunshades are known in the art. Most sunshades, at least or the large variety, are relatively stationary and require a heavy base to support the umbrella like cover or canopy that most of them conventionally use. Sunshades are used around pools, at the beach and elsewhere in tropical countries, in particular, to block out the rays of the sun during the heat of the day.
A typical sunshade comprises a large cover or canopy, supported by a frame consisting of movable struts or ribs, connected to a boom which can be tilted at various angles around a stationary support or pole. The pole is typically mounted in a heavy cement block at its lower end or base, so that in high winds the sunshade does not tip over and injure those who may be sitting under it. Thus, up until now, a large sunshade has been, out of necessity, more or less stationary.
There is a need, however, for large portable sunshades, which can be moved around with ease. Campers, and travel trailer owners, in particular, would like to have a sunshade which can be moved around, set up and torn down, without a lot of hassle. Camping is a popular pastime and sunshades are definitely useful in open areas where there is little if any shade.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight portable sunshade, which can be folded up and moved around with a minimum of difficulty.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a sunshade that can be tilted and rotated at various angles, to block out the sun, and which does not require a large stationary base to support it.
Other objects of the invention will be realized by reference to the description below.
In accordance with the above objects and those that will be mentioned and will become apparent below, the portable sunshade in accordance with the present invention comprises a mast structure extending in a generally vertical direction, means for attaching said mast structure at its lower end to a support structure, a boom extending outwardly from the mast structure, having an end movably attached to the mast structure, a hub assembly attached to a second free end of the boom, a plurality of elongated support ribs extending radially from the hub assembly, each support rib having one end rotatably attached to the hub assembly, a canopy positioned over the elongated support ribs and fastened thereto, the canopy having an opening in it corresponding to a predetermined position along the boom, and a boom support strut pivotably attached at on end to the upper end of the mast structure, and at the other end pivotably secured to the boom at a predetermined position along the length of it, the boom support strut extending through the opening in the canopy at the point where it is connected to the boom.
In one embodiment, the hub assembly comprises two plates substantially parallel and spaced from each other to pivotally sandwich the one end of each support rib whereby each support rib is rotatable with respect to an axis perpendicular to a plane parallel to the plates and thus movable on the plane. The canopy overlying the support ribs is thus collapsed and closed by the movement of the support ribs on the plane.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the hub comprises a flat crown having a circumference along which radially extending lugs are spaced with notches defined between adjacent lugs to pivotally receive the one end of each support rib. The support rib is thus rotatable about an axis that is on a plane substantially parallel to the crown and movable on a plane substantially normal to the crown, which allows collapse of the canopy spanning the support ribs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGThe present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
With reference to the drawings and in particular to
Also referring to
A slidable collar 126 is fitted around to the column 122 at a short distance from the lower end of the column 122. The collar 126 has ears 128, which extend outward on each side, defining aligned through holes (not shown) for the extension of a bolt (not shown). A pin 1261 secures the collar 126 in place on the column 122.
A pair of support struts 132 connects the collar 126 to the U-shaped frame 120. The support struts 132 are connected, respectively, to the limbs of the U-shaped frame 120 by bolts 134, which extend through the limbs and the struts 132. The struts 132 are rotatable about the bolts 134. Means is employed to prevent the collar 126 from moving upward as pressure is placed thereon by the weight of the sunshade. An example is a slip pin (not shown) extending through holes defined in both the column 122 and the collar 126.
Thus, the U-shaped frame 120 can be folded up against the column 122 by disabling the means that is employed to prevent the collar 126 from moving upward to loosen the collar 126, and allowing the collar 126 to move to a higher position on the column 122.
The U-shaped base support frame 120 should be sufficiently strong so as to support for example the weight of an automobile or other vehicle when the wheels of the automobile are resting on the frame 120, which is used to provide stability for the sunshade 10.
The U-shaped base support frame 120 can be made of any material, such as iron, steel, and aluminum, but should be sufficiently sturdy that the frame 120 does not bend, deform, or even break when the wheels of the automobile are resting thereon, yet light enough to ensure easy transportation. The column 122 can also be fabricated of iron, steel, or aluminum, but it too, should be sufficiently sturdy so as not to break or bend due to the weight of or forces brought to bear by the rest of the sunshade 10.
Also referring to
The mast 20 and main mast 22 can be made of any suitable material, such as iron, steel, plastic composite materials and aluminum, but aluminum is preferred because of light weight and durability.
Also referring to
The opposing plates 28, 30 are tightened around the main mast 22 by compression nut knob handles 40, which are threaded around the projecting ends of the compression bolts 37. The plates 28 and 30 are drawn toward each other as the knobs 40 are tightened thereby securely fixing the mast clamp 26 on the main mast 22. The position of the mast clamp 26 on the main mast 22 can thus be adjusted by moving the mast clamp 26 up or down along the mast 22 and tightening the compression bolts 37 with the knobs 40 when the desired position is achieved.
The ears 32, 34 also have holes 38 defined therein and aligning with each other for the extension of a bolt 42. This will be further described.
The boom 24 is pivotably affixed to the mast clamp 26 by fitting the proximal end thereof into a collar 96 comprising opposing plates 98, 100. The collar 96 fits in the space between the opposing ears 32, 34 of the plates 28, 30 of the mast clamp 26. The opposing plates 98, 100 of the collar 96 are drawn together by opposed compression bolts 43 extending through the plates 98, 100 and threadingly engaging with and tightened by compression bolt tightening knobs 44. Inside surfaces of the plates 98, 100 are shaped so as to conform to outer surface of the boom 24.
The bolt 42 extends through the holes 38 defined in the ears 32, 34 of the mast clamp 26 and through holes 95 defined in the collar 96, securing the collar 96 in place and allowing the collar 96 and thus the boom 24 to pivot about the bolt 42 with respect to the main mast 22 in a vertical direction. A nut 46 secures the bolt 42 and thus fixes the boom 24 to the main mast 22. Preferably, washers 45 are sandwiched between the collar 96 and nut 46 and a head of the bolt 42. The collar 96 is thus rotatably fixed between the opposing ears 32, 34 of the mast clamp 26. Thus the boom 24 is rotatable around a horizontal axis, and pivotable with respect to the main mast 22 in a vertical direction.
The boom 24 can be rotated about an axis thereof by loosing the knobs 44 on the compression bolts 43. After the boom 24 is rotated to the desired degree, the knobs 44 are tightened again, fixing the boom 24 in its new position.
As best seen in
As seen in
The plates 50, 52 are secured to each other by means of bolts 64, which extend through the holes 54 in both plates 50, 52 and through the bores 58 in the rib plugs 56. The bolts 64 are secured by nuts (not shown). Thus the rib plugs 56 are secured between the plates 50 and 52, but are free to rotate about a vertical axis defined by the bolts 64.
The distal end of the boom 24 is fixed between the plates 50, 52 by means of the bolts 64 extending through holes 54 defined in the plates 50, 52 and corresponding holes 66 defined through the distal end. The bolts 64 may be secured in position by nuts (not labeled but shown in
The boom support strut 68 is pivotably connected at a proximal end thereof to the main mast 22 and pivotably connected at a distal end thereof to the boom 24, at a point which is intermediate the point of attachment of the boom 24 to the main mast 22, and the hub mechanism 48. Preferably, the boom support strut 68 is attached to the boom 24 at a point at least half of the length thereof.
As seen in
The collar 70 is secured to a top end of the main mast 22 by means of a rotating cap flange 80 through which an eyebolt 82 is threaded. The eye of the eyebolt 82 is held in place at the top of the main mast 22 by a bolt 84 which extends through holes defined in the main mast 22 through the eye of the eye bolt 82, and is secured by a nut 86.
As seen in
Bolts secured by nuts 94 placed through holes (not shown) in the boom 24 on each side of the boom collar 88 hold the boom collar 88 in place on the boom 24. Thus the boom collar 88 is free to rotate around the boom 24 but is not allowed to move along the boom 24.
As seen best in
A canopy 102 spans the support ribs 62, which, when extended, extend radially from the hub mechanism 48. As shown in
Pockets 106 are sewn into the underside of the canopy 102, and are adapted to receive distal ends 63 of the support ribs 62, after the support ribs 62 are radially extended from the hub mechanism 48. The pockets 106 are formed of a piece of fabric, which is sewn to the underside of the canopy 102.
Thus, the ribs 62 are secured to the hub mechanism 48 at their near ends and to the canopy 102 by the pocket enclosures 106 at their far ends.
The canopy 102 of the sunshade 10 can be raised or lowered, and its angle in relation to the sun changed, by raising or lowering the sliding mast clamp 26 attached to the main mast 22, and by pivoting and/or rotating the boom 24. As seen in
Another embodiment of the hub mechanism in accordance with the present invention is shown in
A runner 310 comprises a disk like member 312 having a circumference along which pairs of lugs 314 are formed and spaced from each other. Each pair of lugs 314 defines a space therebetween for receiving an end of a stretcher 316 which is pivotally mounted to the lugs 314 by a pivot pin 318. A central column 320 is mounted to and extends from the runner disk member 312. The crown 302 and the runner 310 are arranged so that the central columns 308, 320 are substantially coaxially aligned with and extending toward each other. A canopy control cable 322 is coupled between the runner 310 and the crown 302 for driving the runner 310 with respect to the crown 302. This will be further discussed.
The stretcher 316 has a distal end pivoted to the support rib 62. A rib collar 324 is fit over and fixed to each support rib 62 and has ears 326 defining a space therebetween for receiving the distal en of the support rib 62 in a pivoting manner.
A runner support strut 328 has a distal end coupled to the runner 310 by being fixed between lugs of the runner 310 and a proximal end coupled to the boom 24 by a second boom collar 330. The boom collar 330 is rotatably and slidably fit over the boom 24 and has ears 332 defining a space therebetween for receiving the proximal end of the runner support strut 328 in a pivoting manner. The second boom collar 330 has a structure similar to the boom collar 88 whereby no more description is necessary. However, it is noted that the second boom collar 330 is not allowed to move or rotate around the boom 24 once the second boom collar 330 is fixed on the boom 24.
Also referring to
Referring to
A protection lever 350 is pivotally attached to the clamp 154 and driven by spring 352 to bias a lower tip 354 of the lever 350 inward. Thus, when the masts 22, 20 are shortened by telescoping, the tip 354 of the lever 350 engages a circumferential shoulder 356 formed on around a top end of the vertical column 122 of the base member 12 to prevent direct engagement between the clamp 154 and the shoulder 356 thereby offering protection to an operator's fingers.
As seen in
When it is desired to remove the sunshade, the rope 168 is pulled from the outside and the lever 164 is rotated around the bolt 166, and disengages. The mast 20 and the balance of the sunshade 10 can then be removed, and retracted through telescoping action.
With reference to
With reference to
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made in the sunshade of this invention, yet will be within the spirit and scope of the invention, being limited solely by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A portable sunshade comprising:
- a mast extending in a generally vertical direction;
- a support structure attached to the mast at a lower end thereof to support the mast;
- a boom attachment collar slidably engaging the mast, the collar selectively positionable along a portion of the mast;
- a boom having a first and second end and a longitudinal axis, the boom engaging the collar at the first end in a manner allowing the boom to be rotated about the longitudinal axis and secured in selectable positions of rotation;
- a canopy assembly attached to the second end of the boom; and
- a boom support strut having first and second ends, pivotably attached to the mast above the slidable collar and to the boom at a point between the first and second ends of the boom.
2. The portable sunshade of claim 1 further comprising a hub positioned at the second end of the boom, the hub having a plurality of radial ribs to support the canopy.
3. The portable sunshade of claim 2 wherein the radial ribs are pivotable around the hub to fold the canopy against the boom.
4. The portable sunshade of claim 3 wherein the radial ribs and the boom lie substantially in the same plane.
5. The portable sunshade of claim 2 wherein the hub comprises a pair of opposing plates spaced apart by rib plugs, and the ribs pivot with the rib plugs.
6. The portable sunshade of claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises a horizontally-extending plate, such that a heavy object may, by bearing on the plate, support the mast.
7. The portable sunshade of claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises an assembly of folding legs, deployable at essentially a right angle to the mast to support the mast, or foldable along the mast for portability.
8. The portable sunshade of claim 1 wherein the mast comprises an assembly of telescoping tubes, such that the height of the mast may be adjusted.
9. The portable sunshade of claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises an attachment mechanism to attach the mast to an upwardly projecting shaft of a utility rack of a recreational vehicle.
10. The portable sunshade as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support structure further comprises at least three limbs pivotable relative to a sliding collar, at least three arms each pivotally sandwiched between the sliding collar and a corresponding one of the at least three limbs and at least three weights removably located between two adjacent limbs to secure the support structure.
11. The portable sunshade as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support structure comprises a base plate with a supporting tube securely formed on a top face of the base plate and a sliding collar insertable into the supporting tube such that a bolt-nut combination is able to secure relative position between the sliding collar and the base plate.
12. A portable sunshade comprising:
- a mast extending in a generally vertical direction;
- a support structure attached to the mast at a lower end thereof to support the mast and comprising at least three limbs pivotable relative to a sliding collar, at least three arms each pivotally sandwiched between the sliding collar and a corresponding one of the at least three limbs and at least three weights removably located between two adjacent limbs to secure the support structure;
- a boom attachment collar slidably engaging the mast, the collar selectively positionable along a portion of the mast;
- a boom having a first and second end and a longitudinal axis, the boom engaging the collar at the first end in a manner allowing the boom to be rotated about the longitudinal axis and secured in selectable positions of rotation;
- a canopy assembly attached to the second end of the boom;
- a boom support strut having first and second ends, pivotably attached to the mast above the slidable collar and to the boom at a point between the first and second ends of the boom; and
- a hub positioned at the second end of the boom, the hub having a plurality of radial ribs to support the canopy, wherein the radial ribs are pivotable around the hub to fold the canopy against the boom and the radial ribs and the boom lie substantially in the same plane.
13. The portable sunshade of claim 12 wherein the hub comprises a pair of opposing plates spaced apart by rib plugs, and the ribs pivot with the rib plugs.
14. The portable sunshade of claim 13 wherein the support structure comprises a horizontally-extending plate, such that a heavy object may, by bearing on the plate, support the mast.
15. The portable sunshade of claim 14 wherein the support structure comprises an assembly of folding legs, deployable at essentially a right angle to the mast to support the mast, or foldable along the mast for portability, wherein the mast comprises an assembly of telescoping tubes, such that the height of the mast may be adjusted.
16. The portable sunshade of claim 15 wherein the support structure comprises an attachment mechanism to attach the mast to an upwardly projecting shaft of a utility rack of a recreational vehicle.
17. A portable sunshade comprising:
- a mast extending in a generally vertical direction;
- a support structure attached to the mast at a lower end thereof to support the mast and having a base plate with a supporting tube securely formed on a top face of the base plate and a sliding collar insertable into the supporting tube such that a bolt-nut combination is able to secure relative position between the sliding collar and the base plate;
- a boom attachment collar slidably engaging the mast, the collar selectively positionable along a portion of the mast;
- a boom having a first and second end and a longitudinal axis, the boom engaging the collar at the first end in a manner allowing the boom to be rotated about the longitudinal axis and secured in selectable positions of rotation;
- a canopy assembly attached to the second end of the boom;
- a boom support strut having first and second ends, pivotably attached to the mast above the slidable collar and to the boom at a point between the first and second ends of the boom; and
- a hub positioned at the second end of the boom, the hub having a plurality of radial ribs to support the canopy, wherein the radial ribs are pivotable around the hub to fold the canopy against the boom and the radial ribs and the boom lie substantially in the same plane, wherein the hub comprises a pair of opposing plates spaced apart by rib plugs, and the ribs pivot with the rib plugs.
18. The portable sunshade of claim 17 wherein the support structure comprises a horizontally-extending plate, such that a heavy object may, by bearing on the plate, support the mast.
19. The portable sunshade of claim 18 wherein the support structure comprises an attachment mechanism to attach the mast to an upwardly projecting shaft of a utility rack of a recreational vehicle.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 6, 2003
Publication Date: Feb 10, 2005
Inventor: Benjamin Reese (San Jose, CA)
Application Number: 10/634,776